How to Get Medical Exemption for Window Tint in Maryland in 2026

You're feeling the heat, you're squinting against the glare, and you're considering tinting your car windows for relief. But in Maryland, there's a legal limit to how dark you can go, unless you have a medical exemption. Now, you might wonder, how can you get this exemption, and what conditions qualify? There's a process to follow, a form to fill, and specific medical conditions to meet. While this might sound complex, don't worry, we're about to unpack each step for you. Curious to know more? Let's explore this together.

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2026 State Law Reference

Maryland Window Tint Medical Exemption — Quick Reference

Governing Statute: Md. Code, Transp. § 22-406
Processing Agency: Maryland MVA
Front-side VLT (non-medical): 35%
Windshield tint rule: AS-1 line (5 inches)

Maryland MVA issues an exemption decal once the Medical Exemption Application is approved.

Last reviewed: 2026. Always confirm current requirements with Maryland MVA before submitting your application — statutes and form numbers can change.

The information on myeyerx.net isn't legal advice; consider it a starting point. Always verify with local and state authorities, as the final decision rests with you. We are not lawyers. For specific legal guidance, we can refer you to legal experts. Remember, knowledge of both state and local laws is essential, and even law enforcement might not be fully updated. We aim for accuracy but advise double-checking for the latest regulations.

Key Takeaways

Identify if your medical condition like skin cancer or lupus qualifies for a tint exemption in Maryland.
Obtain the Maryland Tint Exemption Form (MSP ASED 23-04B), consult a doctor, and submit the completed form for processing.
Be aware of the limitations of the medical tint exemption, including restrictions on windshield tinting and reflective window tints.
Keep all documentation related to the tint exemption for future reference and stay updated on any changes in tint regulations.

Need Help? Our Doctors Are Here For You!

MyEyeRx was established with the objective of simplifying the complex landscape of state regulations pertaining to legal medical exemptions for window tinting. For individuals seeking to navigate these regulations without resorting to a do-it-yourself approach, we offer a streamlined solution. Our team includes qualified medical professionals who are available to conduct consultations via Zoom. These sessions are designed to assess your eligibility for a medical exemption, ensuring a personalized and efficient process for acquiring the necessary documentation.

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Understanding Maryland's Tint Laws

To navigate Maryland's tint laws, you should know that the state requires a minimum of 35% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for front side windows. This means at least 35% of sunlight must be able to pass through your vehicle's front side windows. This requirement helps ensure that law enforcement and other drivers can see into your vehicle for safety reasons.

Now, you might be wondering about the possibility of a medical exemption. Maryland does provide a tint waiver for individuals with certain medical conditions. This exemption allows you to have darker tints on your vehicle's windows. However, it's important to note that even with a medical waiver, you're not allowed to tint below the AS1 line on your windshield. The AS1 line is typically found on the top portion of your windshield, and tinting below this line could obstruct your view and pose a safety risk.

If you're driving a multipurpose vehicle, Maryland's tint laws offer additional flexibility. With a medical waiver, you can tint your rear windows as dark as you want. This is a relief for those who need extra sun protection due to their medical condition.

To apply for a tint exemption, you'll need to complete the Maryland tint exemption form with the help of a doctor. This ensures that the state is giving waivers to those who truly need it for medical reasons. Understanding Maryland's tint laws can help you navigate the process of getting a window tint exemption, ensuring your vehicle is both legal and comfortable.

Medical Conditions for Tint Exemption

While navigating Maryland's tint laws, you may be wondering if your specific medical condition could qualify for a tint waiver. Indeed, certain medical conditions can render you eligible for a window tint medical exemption in Maryland.

Skin conditions like skin cancer, erythropoietic protoporphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, xeroderma pigmentosum, and Cockayne syndrome are among those conditions that can aid in your quest for a Maryland tint waiver. Similarly, Bloom syndrome, solar urticaria, and albinism also fall within the tint exemption eligibility criteria. These conditions often result in light sensitivity, making window tints a necessary medical accommodation.

It's imperative to consult with your primary care physician or dermatologist to understand if you qualify for a medical tint waiver. They can assess your medical condition and determine if it falls within the guidelines set by Maryland for tint exemptions. Remember, the final decision on your eligibility for a tint waiver will hinge on your doctor's professional opinion.

Once your doctor has confirmed your eligibility, they will need to provide medical documentation supporting your need for a tint waiver. This is done by signing the tint exemption form, which verifies your medical condition and its necessity for a window tint.

In understanding your eligibility, it's crucial to consider your specific medical conditions and how they might qualify for a tint waiver. By staying informed and getting the right medical documentation, you can successfully apply for a window tint medical exemption in Maryland.

Process for Tint Exemption Application

Navigating the process for a tint exemption application in Maryland is straightforward once you've confirmed your eligibility with your doctor. The first step involves downloading the Maryland Tint Exemption Form, officially labeled as MSP ASED 23-04B (04-19). This form is available through official Maryland State Police sources.

Next, consult with your primary care physician or a qualified dermatologist to determine your eligibility for a tint waiver. Your doctor should be able to assist you in filling out the form. It's important not to leave any sections blank—complete information is crucial for the processing of your medical exemption for window tinting.

Once you've filled out the Waiver Form, mail it to the address listed on the form itself. Be patient as processing times may vary.

Here's a snapshot of the process:

Step	Task	Support
1	Download MSP ASED 23-04B	Maryland State Police
2	Consult Doctor	Primary Care Physician / Dermatologist
3	Mail Completed Form	-

Limitations of the Medical Tint Exemption

Often, it's important for you to understand that medical tint exemptions in Maryland come with certain limitations. Despite your medical reasons, there are restrictions to what you can and can't do when it comes to the application of window tints. While a medical waiver can allow you to tint your vehicle's windows darker than Maryland's legal limit, there are still guidelines to follow.

For instance, the exemption waiver doesn't permit tinting below the As1 line or the top 5 inches of the front windshield. This is primarily to ensure clear vision and safety while driving. Reflective window tints are also not acceptable, regardless of whether they are on the front windshield or rear windows.

Moreover, the tint should not impede the proper functioning of your vehicle's windows. If the tint interferes with the operation of your windows, or with LED lights that are critical for safety, you may be in violation of the guidelines.

Here are some important limitations to bear in mind:

The As1 line or 5 inches limit on the front windshield
The prohibition of reflective window tints, even with a medical waiver
The requirement for the tint to not interfere with window functions or LED lights
The fact that light sensitivity manageable by sunglasses may not qualify for an exemption

Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

Maryland tint limits — standard vs. medical exemption

Window	Standard (Md. Code, Transp. § 22-406)	With medical exemption
Windshield	AS-1 line (5 inches)	Doctor may authorize full non-reflective tint below the AS-1 line when photosensitivity is documented.
Front side windows	35% minimum light transmission	Typically 20%–35% VLT when clinically justified (statute ceiling applies).
Rear side windows	Most states permit any darkness on rear sides	No change — medical exemption rarely needed here.
Rear window	Most states permit any darkness when dual side mirrors are present	No change — already covered by the dual-mirror provision.
Reflectivity	Generally capped at 20%–35%; mirrored / metallic tint prohibited	Same — medical exemption does not permit reflective film.

Numbers in the Standard column reflect Maryland's baseline statute. The With medical exemption column describes the typical range a clinician can prescribe; the final VLT authorized is whatever the physician's letter or state-issued exemption certificate specifies, subject to the statute's ceiling. Always match the installed film to the exemption document — the exemption only covers the darkness specifically justified by the clinician.

At A Traffic Stop

What Maryland law enforcement looks for

Officers in Maryland typically run a tint-meter reading at the driver's window and then ask for exemption paperwork before writing a citation. Produce these three items immediately and the stop usually ends with a warning rather than a fine:

1 The physician's signed exemption letter or Maryland exemption certificate — original, not a photocopy. The letter must identify the condition (photophobia, lupus, post-corneal-surgery sensitivity, melanoma history, etc.) and the maximum VLT the clinician authorizes.
2 The clinician's NPI number and state license on the letterhead. undefined officers can verify an NPI against the federal NPPES registry in seconds.
3 A tint-card or installer invoice showing the VLT of the installed film. When the installer's VLT is at or above what the exemption authorizes, the stop is usually dismissed on the spot.

Note: Maryland officers cannot demand to see your underlying medical record — only the signed exemption document. HIPAA protects the diagnosis detail; the exemption letter is the only document they are legally entitled to review during a traffic stop.

Keeping Your Exemption Valid

How to stay compliant in Maryland

• Keep the original exemption document in the glove box at all times — not the trunk, not a phone photo. Most Maryland officers will not accept a digital copy.
• If the vehicle changes hands, the exemption does not transfer. Remove the tint or secure a new exemption for the new driver.
• Re-verify the exemption annually with undefined — a few states require an updated physician's letter every 1–3 years. If your documentation is more than 24 months old, refresh it.
• Match the installed film exactly to the VLT authorized by the clinician. Going darker than the letter permits voids the exemption and exposes you to the full statute penalty.
• Keep the installer's receipt showing the VLT of the film. Independent verification of the installed tint is the single most common question officers ask after they see the exemption letter.
• If you move out of Maryland, you will need to obtain a new exemption under your new state's statute. Exemptions are not portable across state lines.

More State Guides

Compare with other states

Or browse the complete 50-state exemption guide and the state-specific consultation shop.

Common Questions

Maryland Window Tint Medical Exemption FAQs

What is the law on window tint medical exemptions in Maryland?

The governing statute in Maryland is Md. Code, Transp. § 22-406, administered by Maryland MVA. The default front-side visible-light-transmission (VLT) rule is 35%, with windshield tint limited to AS-1 line (5 inches). A medical exemption allows darker tint than the baseline when a licensed physician certifies the medical necessity.

How do I apply for a window tint medical exemption in Maryland?

In Maryland, you submit a signed physician letter on letterhead to Maryland MVA. The certification must come from a licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist and identify the condition creating medical necessity (photophobia, lupus, post-cataract sensitivity, etc.). MyEyeRx handles the virtual consultation and issues the Maryland-compliant documentation after the visit when medically appropriate.

What do I need to keep in my vehicle in Maryland?

Maryland MVA issues an exemption decal once the Medical Exemption Application is approved. Keep a copy of the signed documentation, the physician's contact information, and the statute reference (Md. Code, Transp. § 22-406) in the glove box so you can produce it during a traffic stop. Maryland drivers are strongly encouraged to carry the original — not a photocopy — because some inspection officers will not accept copies.

Is an online / telehealth appointment valid for a Maryland tint exemption in 2026?

Yes. Maryland accepts a telehealth consultation with a U.S.-licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist, or physician as the basis for the exemption documentation, provided the clinician conducts the visit in accordance with Maryland telemedicine rules. MyEyeRx's 2026 process is 100% virtual and the paperwork is formatted for Maryland MVA.

How much darker can I go with a Maryland medical exemption?

Maryland's non-medical VLT rule is 35% on the front sides. With a valid medical exemption, drivers typically run much darker tint (commonly 20%–35% on the front sides) depending on the physician's recommendation and the statute's ceiling. Always match the installer's film to the VLT the exemption letter permits; the exemption only covers the darkness specifically justified by the clinician.

Looking for a different state? Browse our full 50-state medical exemption guide.

Sources & Citations

Where this Maryland guide's information comes from

This guide is written against the live statute text and the Maryland MVA's current public guidance. We do not paraphrase statute language; we cite the governing code so you can verify every rule yourself. Last reviewed for the 2026 legislative cycle.

Maryland Statute — Md. Code, Transp. § 22-406. The governing section of Maryland code that sets baseline window-tint visible-light-transmission (VLT) limits and authorizes medical exemptions from those limits.
Processing Agency — Maryland MVA. The state office that accepts, reviews, and records the exemption documentation referenced above.
FMVSS 205 — Glazing Materials — 49 CFR § 571.205. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that defines the AS-1 windshield line most states (including Maryland) reference in their tint statutes.
NHTSA Vehicle Equipment Rules — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Federal authority on vehicle-equipment standards referenced by state DMVs when evaluating aftermarket window tint.
Telehealth prescribing authority — U.S. Department of Health & Human Services telehealth policy guidance. Confirms that a U.S.-licensed physician or optometrist may evaluate and document medical necessity for a tint exemption through a telemedicine visit when the state permits it.
MyEyeRx Maryland Consultation — Maryland online window tint medical exemption consultation. Our virtual consultation for Maryland residents, issuing Maryland MVA-compliant documentation after evaluation.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Statutes are updated by the Maryland legislature and agency rules change periodically; always verify the current text of Md. Code, Transp. § 22-406 with Maryland MVA or a licensed attorney before relying on any single fact.

How to get Medical exemption for window tint in Maryland in 2026